Miyajima's Flavor, Nurtured by the Seto Inland Sea

If you're wondering what to eat in Miyajima, 'Anagomeshi' should be at the top of your list. Alongside grilled oysters and Momiji Manju, it is a long-loved flavor of Miyajima.

In fact, the Seto Inland Sea coast has been a famous production area for conger eel since the Edo period. The local gazetteer of the Hiroshima Domain, 'Geihan Tsushi,' records that '...all 阿奈呉 (anago) are produced around this island, and their taste is excellent,' indicating it has been cherished as a delicious fish since ancient times. It is one of Miyajima's gourmet delights that you must try at least once when visiting Miyajima.

Loved by travelers, becoming a Miyajima specialty
The Anagomeshi culture that began with Ekiben

An indispensable shop when talking about 'Anagomeshi' is the long-established 'Anagomeshi Ueno,' founded in Meiji 34 (1901).

Ueno's founder, Tanikichi Ueno, sold the 'Anagomeshi' ekiben at Miyajima Station (now Miyajimaguchi Station), which had just opened at the time. Its deliciousness gradually spread among travelers passing through Miyajima, and it has now become one of Miyajima's representative gourmet dishes.

Even after more than 120 years, its popularity remains strong. Many people visit from both within and outside the prefecture.

So, what exactly does it taste like?

Its appearance is surprisingly simple. Fragrant grilled conger eel (anago kabayaki) is neatly arranged atop rice cooked with conger eel broth. With one bite, the umami of the conger eel and the sauce-infused rice combine, spreading a profound flavor in your mouth, contrary to its simple appearance.

Before heading to Miyajima
A dish that brightens the start of your journey

The shop is located right near JR Miyajimaguchi Station. In addition to its charming appearance, the bustling scenery of Miyajimaguchi, filled with people heading to the ferry terminal, is another unique appeal of this shop. You can enjoy it in the relaxed atmosphere of the shop, or buy a bento box to take with you on your journey. While you can savor freshly made dishes inside the shop, the bento allows the umami of the conger eel and the sauce to meld with the rice over time, offering a different kind of deliciousness than the freshly prepared meal.

It's a representative taste of Miyajima that you'll want to savor along with the excitement of your trip.

[DATA]
■Anagomeshi Ueno
Address: 1-5-11 Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi City
TEL: 0829-56-0006
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Bento: 9:00 until sold out), Wednesdays: until 18:00
Closed: None